At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to perform vital lab tests and support life-saving stem cell transplants.
- Company: NHS Blood and Transplant is dedicated to saving lives through blood, organ, and tissue donation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and a solid NHS pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be HCPC registered; science graduates with relevant training preferred for Band 6.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist – NHS Blood and Transplant
Join to apply for the Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist role at NHS Blood and Transplant
Base pay range
This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship if offered at Band 5. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 5.
Job Summary
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is an integral part of the NHS, collecting and processing 2 million blood donations a year. Our Healthcare Scientists provide crucial support to NHS Hospitals, processing, testing and issuing blood and its components and delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services relating to the transfusion of blood and stem cells, transplantation and tissue banking.
The IBGRL Red Cell Reference department provides an internationally renowned immunohaematology reference service for NHS Blood and Transplant and the international transfusion community. We deal exclusively in complex and interesting red cell immunohaematology problems, often involving rare blood groups. RCR is distinguished by the scientific expertise of its small team of staff and an unparalleled collection of rare cells and sera. In collaboration with colleagues around the world the RCR laboratory continues to make important discoveries in the field of human blood groups. We also compile and maintain the International Rare Donor Panel.
An HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with considerable post registration experience, you’ll have a specialist qualification in Transfusion/Transplantation Science. A Biomedical Scientist wishing to develop specialist transfusion skills will be considered for the post, paid as a BMS on a Band 5 whilst achieving the necessary experience and qualifications. We have two posts to recruit to and our priority is to appoint Band 6 BMS Specialists.
In return you’ll benefit from an excellent pension, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, using modern equipment and practices, where you can develop your specialist skills and scientific education.
Main duties of the job
- You will be required to perform, analyse, record and interpret a wide range of laboratory investigations and technical procedures relating to the issue of patient test results for organ transplant and blood transfusion and the issue of blood and tissue products, with the support of the team
- You will be responsible for the support and training of new and less experienced staff
- You will be required to handle blood and tissue samples and operate a range of laboratory analysers and equipment
- The role may require you to work variable hours and days, weekends and bank holidays as per the roster within the department (unless otherwise rostered within the shift agreement) with appropriate notice, depending on specialty – see About the Benefits
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of the use of a range of laboratory analysers and equipment (Band 5)
- Experience in a range of scientific techniques (Band 5)
- Broad science knowledge with a specialist knowledge in transfusion / transplantation science gained through previous experience working as a Biomedical Scientist (Band 6)
- Experience in specialised laboratory techniques using a wide range of complex equipment (Band 6)
- Experience in prioritising and issuing work to other staff and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met (Band 6)
- Understanding of UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), UK Blood Transfusion Service (UKBTS) and British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines (Band 6)
- Experience of working with Information Technology
- Experience of writing reports, preparing and delivering presentations and training and mentoring staff (Band 6)
Qualifications And Training
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist
- Science graduate with relevant post graduate training eg British Blood Transfusion Society specialist certificate, British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Diploma or equivalent experience (Band 6)
- Evidence of continuous learning and professional development
- Willingness to undertake further training and development
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference – Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we\’ll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What We Offer
- NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
- 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
- NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
- We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Sunday 14th September 2025.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd September 2025 – subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact – Benjamin Jones, Red Cell Reference Manager (IBGRL) via email at Ben.Jones@nhsbt.nhs.uk
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Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist employer: NHS Blood and Transplant
Contact Detail:
NHS Blood and Transplant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in stem cell and immunotherapy research. Being knowledgeable about current trends and breakthroughs can help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or workshops. This not only enhances your knowledge but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and techniques mentioned in the job description. Practical skills can significantly boost your confidence and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by reviewing common scenarios faced in biomedical science roles. Practising your responses can help you articulate your experience and problem-solving abilities effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Biomedical Scientist / Biomedical Scientist Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for both Band 5 and Band 6 positions. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with laboratory analysers, scientific techniques, and any specific knowledge related to transfusion or transplantation science. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills.
Show Continuous Learning: Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning any relevant courses, certifications, or training you've completed. This is particularly important for Band 6 applicants who need to show evidence of advanced training.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the position but also reflect the core values of NHS Blood and Transplant: Caring, Expert, and Quality. Make sure to connect your personal values and experiences to these principles.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Blood and Transplant
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transfusion and transplantation science. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and equipment you've used in previous roles, as well as any relevant guidelines like UKAS and GMP.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Highlight any continuous professional development you've undertaken. This could include courses, certifications, or workshops that relate to biomedical science. Demonstrating a commitment to learning will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that may involve practical scenarios or case studies related to laboratory investigations. Think about how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving urgent on-call work or training new staff.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working in a team environment, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've trained or mentored colleagues, and how effective communication has played a role in your past successes.